Hampton Roads residents are urged to check their water pipes immediately. A new federal mandate requires all U.S. cities to identify and remove lead water service lines, a known health risk.
Is Your Water Safe?
Hampton Roads officials say the water is safe due to corrosion control programs. These treatments prevent lead and copper from leaching into the water. “The water is very safe to drink,” assured Paul Retel, Suffolk’s Director of Public Utilities.
However, thousands of lead lines remain. Norfolk has identified 800 lines for replacement, while Suffolk estimates 3,000. More could surface as residents report findings.
How to Check Your Water Pipes
You can identify your water line material with simple tools:
- Copper: Orange when scratched, non-magnetic.
- Lead: Shiny silver, soft, and easy to scratch.
- Galvanized Steel: Dull gray, hard to scratch, magnetic.
- Plastic: No color change, typically black or blue.
Report your findings to your city to ensure action.
Next Steps
Lead line replacement begins in 2025 and will take years to complete. Residents are encouraged to use water confidently in the meantime, thanks to corrosion control.
Protecting Public Health
Eliminating lead lines is vital for health, especially for children. For added safety, consider a reverse osmosis filtration system or a whole-home water conditioner to remove contaminants and ensure safe drinking water.
Home water filtration brings peace of mind and is a family healthy option.
Source: 13 News Now
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